The Live Experience by Keith Green

Reviewed by John Perrodin

"...takes
believers back to deep, spiritual roots of musical expression."

On July 28, 1982 Keith Green, 28, climbed into a plane with
two of his young children, Josiah and Bethany, to look over the property
at Last Days Ministries. Hundreds of pounds overweight, the plane crashed,
killing all aboard. Surely even decades later his loved ones must regret
the choices made that fateful day. Among countless other losses, Keith missed
holding his yet unborn daughter, Rachel. His family and future were shattered.
All that remained of his piercing voice and brilliant piano work were the
recordings already captured. And life went on.

At our wedding, my wife and I sang Melody’s song, “Make My Life
a Prayer to You,” one of the classics included on Keith Green:
The Live Experience. It has always been a favorite and still clutches my heart.
After his death, we were privileged to watch Melody speak at one of the Keith
Green Memorial concerts. She shared the message that we need to turn to Jesus,
fully and completely. For Keith, offering music to the Lord meant “glorifying
the only Worthy One.” Pointing all eyes to Him is the “most important
goal.” That’s what his music accomplishes still.

The
Live Experience includes soaring classics like “Easter Song,” “There
is a Redeemer,” and “Oh Lord, You’re Beautiful.” When
he asked, “How Can You Live Without Jesus?” we knew that he honestly
cared about the answer. What makes this CD so worthwhile are the opportunities
to hear snippets of Keith’s quick wit and sense his tender heart for
the lost. Every song breathes with piano and vocal variations. Culled from
live concerts, there’s no studio mixing or background accompaniment
to detract from Keith’s fresh presentation.

If Keith Green had survived into his 50s, Christian music
today would probably be far different – maybe (hopefully) less like
its secular counterpart. Less focused on spectacle and high ticket prices,
more focused on showing
love for Jesus. This CD takes believers back to deep, spiritual roots of
musical expression.

Keith once said, “I repent of ever having recorded one single song…if
my music, and more importantly, my life has not provoked you…to sell
out more completely to Jesus!” That’s compelling passion and
a powerful example for today’s celebrity-obsessed culture.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan, or a newcomer to his stunning message
in music, Keith Green: The Live Experience will give you a chance to experience
refreshment and hope, along with soaring vocals and lithe piano-playing.
The anointing of God remains as Keith continues to urge listeners to live
without compromise. Support this release and, hopefully, we’ll have
the opportunity to hear many other treasures from the vaults. Another plus,
the CD unlocks bonus songs, videos, and photos online. Don’t expect
your eyes to long remain dry after hearing this sweet offering to Jesus.

John
Perrodin is
the Senior Editor for the Christian
Writers Guild. He co-authored
the Renegade Spirit Trilogy with Jerry B. Jenkins. The latest release in that
series is Seclusion Point (Thomas Nelson). His book, Simple Little
Words:
What
You
Say Can Change a Life, written
with Michelle
Cox, releases in April 2008 from David C. Cook. Please visit www.simplelittlewords.com to
find out more about the book, and visit John's website www.johnperrodin.com to
find out more about his writing.